Gator legend arrested

The Times' Thomas Kaplan is reporting today that John Reaves, a former University of Florida star quarterback who graduated as the all-time passing leader in NCAA history, has been arrested on a cocaine possession charge. Details of his arrest were not immediately available, but jail records show the 58-year-old was taken into custody by the Tampa Police Department on Wednesday night.

Reaves, a former first-round NFL draft pick who went to Robinson High School and was an All-American at UF from 1969 to 1971, has battled drug problems in the past. By the time he was in the NFL, his life, he once recalled to Sports Illustrated, "was literally saturated with drugs and alcohol."

But the former standout would turn his life around, getting treatment and counseling and embracing religion.  He found life beyond football, too, building a successful real estate business in Tampa.

Reaves, a former Florida high school player of the year, was a first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1972.  But while he would play professionally for more than a decade, including a three-year stint in the United States Football League with the Tampa Bay Bandits, Reaves would never achieve the stardom he gained in high school and college play.

Reaves coached under Steve Spurrier at UF in the 1990s and also worked at South Carolina and Cornell.  His son David is now the quarterbacks coach under Spurrier at South Carolina, and his daughter Layla is the wife of Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin.

Comments

[Patrick]

The man needs some help. Hope he will now get some. Good luck John

[Jeff]

Good luck dealing with your demons John.
You were one of my first heros when I was 9 and you were a SuperSoph.

[Jack Chapel Hill, NC]

Not called the No. 1 party school for nothing I see!

[Rob]

Jack in Chapel Hill, NC, didn't one of your all-time basketball greats, Phil Ford, have a drinking problem? Yes.

This has nothing to do with the current University of Florida. He played there more than 30 years ago. Get a clue.

The man needs help and you wanna make a mockery out of some other issue. Thanks, Jack, you're classy.

[NickLurby]

Gator Flop now takes on a whole new meaning.
For those not familiar with the Gator Flop, check it out on the net.
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090402aal.html

[Jack Chapel Hill, NC]

Rob: Nope, not Carolina. If UF is such a great school, mind you we
're talking academics here not sports, then why doesn't the state of FL attract more high-tech industry like NC? As far as the guy goes, he made a choice. Take responsibility.

[Another Rob]

Jack, educate yourself:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/college/news/1999/09/30/ford_dwi_ap/

[Pete]

You're right, Jack in Chapel Hill, the state of Florida doesn't attract any high tech industry. Umm, except for that thing down the road from UF, NASA's Kennedy Space Center. No, nothing high-tech about the space program. Or the aeronautics industry, or the oceanographic industry, or a bunch of other things. Ooops.

[TheRaid]

Jack in Chapel Hill:

Hi Tech Industry like NC? Florida was recently listed in the top 5 states in biotech. Ever heard of Torrey Pines, Burnham, Scripps, Harbor Branch etc and etc? They are in Florida and California (Harbor Branch Florida only). Not NC.

It is best to check your facts before spouting off.

[TheRaid]

Jack in Chapel Hill:

Oh I almost forgot to mention...

which public university is ranked the number one public university tech transfer office in the US and for tech transfer research?

That would be The University of Florida.

The last I checked, UF was in Florida and not NC.

Nice try, but you are ignorant of the facts.

[Anonymous]

This is sad news indeed. I knew John well in another time and another place. My late husband was a teammate of John's when both played for the Eagles in the 70's.

I thought he had overcome his challenges - I knew that he had battled drugs but believed he had overcome the dark days. Sincerely hope things can get turned around for him.

[LDH]

I guess nothing will give you a high like a roaring crowd cheering you on and being on top of the world. The majority of us could only dream to have been in his shoes back in his hay day.

[Buck]

Good luck John. Addiction is a nasty disease. May your next try at rehab be a lasting transformation.

God Bless you and your family.

Go Gators!

Buck Warren

[Dean Smith]

Jack,

I've had at least three DUI's and I'm thankful Chapel Hill law enforcement has kept a lid on this fact. Self-righteous and a UNC fan, go figure.

And, please you compare Hi Tech in the greater triangle area with Gainesville. Not a fair comparison when you have four nationally ranked schools within an hours drive. UF is Gainesville, however, their recent alliance/partnership with the Burnham Institute and Scripps is quite prestigious.

Sincerely,

Dean Smith

[NickLurby]

How great would Reaves have been without Carlos Alvarez?

[Mark Johnson]

A sad day indeed. I wish you well, John.

[Mark Johnson]

The first thought that comes to mind is that we should all humble ourselves and realize we all can fall. The enemy of our souls (a.k.a. Satan) roams about like a lion seeking whom he may destroy. I've been a Christian since June 1983 and have stumbled more times than I care to remember but by God's grace and mercy I continue on through life's journey. Addiction is very powerful and once its hooks are into someone, it can bring them down, even after being sober for many years. I do hope John can get the help he needs and I certainly will be praying for him and ask that others in our community pray for him also.

[anonymous]

I was friends with John in the 1970's in his "glory days" and he was extremely insecure and had many demons back then. Mind you, I am not judging or faulting but it was cumbersome caring for him. He has been in self-destruct mode for far too long. Like many others, I thought he was past all that. How Sad! And what an attrocity that mug shot is! One of the worst I have ever seen. My heart goes out to Patti and their children. All I can say is that I feel deeply saddened. Grow up John before it is too late. You are not getting any younger, kid!
Think of someone other than your addictive self!

[Chas]

Good luck, John.

[Jack Chapel Hill, NC]

Did I also mention that we got more nascar tracks ???